A Smart Light Switch Means You'll Never Leave the Lights on Again

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A smart light switch lets you turn your lights on and off from almost anywhere using your smartphone. Additionally, you can use an app to set schedules so the lights in your home will power on and off automatically, depending on what time it is. You can even have your lights switch off the second you walk out your front door.

Our top picks work with Alexa and Google Assistant, making turning the bedroom lights off from a comfy bed as easy as saying "Alexa, turn off bedroom lights." It's worth mentioning that some of these smart switches require a separate hub or bridge to function. Also, if you aren't comfortable doing minor electrical wiring, consider hiring a professional or opting for smart light bulbs instead.

The Lutron Caséta comes with a convenient remote control, offers an easy installation, and integrates with most major smart home services. Although it requires a bridge (one is included in this bundle), we think it's still the best smart light switch money can buy. It's a versatile option that'll work with any setup — whether you use Apple HomeKit, an Amazon Echo, Google Home, Nest, or IFTTT.

This switch offers geofencing capabilities, meaning your lights can automatically turn on when you arrive and then off when you leave your home. It can be controlled with your voice using your smart speaker, your smartphone, or its included remote.

Also, its app has "scenes," which program the lights for specific scenarios. For instance, there's a vacation scene that'll turn the lights off and on at specific times to give the appearance that you're home. Features like these make it stand out from its competitors, and make it a worthy addition in your smart home.

The WeMo smart switch is packed with features, including light scheduling, integration with Alexa and Google Home, and various lighting modes. You can control the brightness in a room just by running your finger along the divot in the center of the switch.

Compared with the Lutron Caséta, the WeMo Dimmer doesn't require a hub. However, it won't work in three-way switch setups and it needs a neutral wire, meaning if your electrical box doesn't have one, it'll be incompatible with your setup.

What makes the WeMo stand out, though, is its Long Press feature, which allows you to trigger another smart device by holding the switch for two seconds. For example, you can link it to your robot vacuum cleaner, which will start cleaning after you press the button. We're big fans of its night mode, too. It comes in handy when you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, but don't want to be blinded by bright lights.

If you're willing to sacrifice dimming functionality, the TP-Link Kasa is the best smart light switch for those on a budget. It's still equipped with plenty of practical features like other smart models, including timers and voice controls from Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and it can be controlled from your smartphone using an app or with the included remote control.

Like pricier options, it has an "Away Mode" that randomly turns the lights off and on to give the illusion that you're home when you're not to deter potential thieves. All in all, it's an affordable and reliable option you'll love.

Chances are, you've already heard of Philips' smart Hue bulbs, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the smart home giant has released some smart switches of its own. Like other options, the Hue allows you to dim your bulbs, set schedules, and control the lights using your voice.

If you're already integrated into the Hue ecosystem, this light switch is your best pick. It requires a Hue Bridge, and is only compatible with Hue lightbulbs. Best of all, it offers an incredibly easy install — with no wiring necessary — for an affordable price under $30.

The Leviton Decora is an inexpensive standalone Wi-Fi dimmer that doesn't require a separate bridge. It provides customizable scenes, scheduling, and support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls. We appreciate its straightforward design and easy installation.

There's a row of LEDs on its side that'll let you know how much dimmer or brighter you can go. Plus, this budget dimmer also works with three-way switches, making it a good choice for those who have large rooms in their home with lots of light switches.

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Brandon CarteTechnology EditorBrandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.